- Alcohol abuse is the most common cause of liver disease in North America. Consuming alcohol in moderation may help minimize the risk of alcohol-related liver disease.
- The risk of contracting Hepatitis B and C can be decreased by minimizing the risk of exposure to other person's bodily fluids.
- Vaccination is available for Hepatitis A and B.
- Fatty liver disease is a preventable illness with the promotion of a healthy lifestyle including a well balanced diet, weight control, avoiding excess alcohol consumption and routine exercise program. These lifestyle modifications do not guarantee success in disease prevention in that some people will develop fatty liver disease anyway.
The outlook and outcome for a patient depends upon the underlying diagnosis. Interestingly, in patients with cirrhosis, there may be little correlation between the amount of damage found on liver biopsy and the ultimate outcome. A patient may never develop symptoms and have a normal life-span or may develop significant symptoms.
Liver Disease At A Glance
- The liver has an important role in many bodily functions from protein production and blood clotting to cholesterol, glucose and iron metabolism.
- A variety of illnesses can affect the liver.
- Cirrhosis occurs when normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue as a result of chronic liver disease.
- Symptoms of liver diseases include weakness and fatigue, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and yellow discoloration of the skin (jaundice).
- The treatment of a particular liver disease depends on its specific cause.
REFERENCES: Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Liver."
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